St. Andrew's Eco Team Work Space

February 2014: Theme COFFEE AND TEA

We dispose of astonishing amounts of used coffee grounds and tea leaves that can be recycled, re-used and brought to a new life, therefore reducing general waste from each house-hold or café and making the planet a more environmentally friendly place to live. Other than having the pleasure of just drinking coffee, their grounds have a number of uses within our homes.

· Treat your flowers to a rejuvenating supplement. Coffee grounds are high in acidic and full of nutrients. Use as mulch in the soil for those acid-loving plants. Another use in the garden is that it can also deter ant infestations and snails/slugs from around your flowers and bushes.

· You can also use coffee grounds as part of your beauty regime. Mix together with a little coconut oil and brown sugar to make a natural skin exfoliator, then rinse off in the shower and experience how irresistibly soft your skin feels.

· Tea leaves can also be used for the same purposes as coffee grounds within the garden, warding off pests and feeding your plants.

· Used tea leaves as deodorisers around the home. Sprinkle them into your cat litter tray to diffuse the smell, scatter them over your carpets, leave for ten minutes then vacuum up. The vacuum will also give off that refreshing smell. Dried tea leaves can be placed in the fridge to absorb odours in the same way baking soda does.

January 2014: Theme: Being PRACTICAL

1. Do you buy take-out beverages ? Then carry a mug with you wherever you go! Save on the plastic cups.

2. Got an old T-shirt you love, but it has got holes and is torn? Cut into cloth size and use to dust the house, polish shoes etc.

4. Buy refurbished computers, instead of new ones. After all, you only need one that works!

5. Ring up the local recycling centre and learn if there is anything you could be recycling that you are not aware of.

6. Share with your children the pleasures of being thrifty. Instill in them the 'eco-friendly' way of doing things, make them feel good about it.

7. Check out eco-friendly burials.

8. Energy consumption – NOW is the time to do this, as you always said you would – set specific energy reduction goals for gas and electricity. Washing your clothes with cold water cuts laundry energy use by up to 90%. Think about it.

9. Water - Do you really need to bath/shower every single day? Think about it, and when you have thought, reduce your frequency and encourage others to reduce theirs.

December 2013 : Theme FOOD

Party Time?

A new set of eco tips is published every month by the St. Andrews Eco Congregation Team. They aim to raise environmental awareness among the members of our congregation. Please look at the notice board downstairs in the church hall. More generally on food: The media like us to believe that this is the menu to choose from for parties: lunch, dinner, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, buffet or sit-down meal. Moderation and sobriety are not en vogue, let alone fasting. How about eating responsibly? We know that there are no food laws in the Christian tradition. Unlike devout Jews respecting the laws of kosher or Muslims restricting themselves to what is “halal” or pure. Jesus said: “What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean” (Matthew, 15: 11). The choices we make when it comes to food invariably have consequences for our personal health as well as for the world we live in. The (im)purity of the soil we live on is influenced by traditional versus industrialized agriculture. The (im)purity of the air we breathe is the result of our insatiable need for energy, burning fossil fuel, gas and coal, causing deforestation and loss of habitat for countless species. The (im)purity of the water we drink is linked to the spiraling number of humans concentrated in cities, the excess of livestock in certain areas – the North of Belgium in particular, among many others -, less scrupulous industries dumping waste “unseen”, vessels “cleaning” their engines at night in the North Sea and accidents. Accidents? Remember when most of the Rhine was polluted from the Swiss border all the way to the North Sea due to an accident at a pharmaceutical plant in Basel? Have we already forgotten the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? Do we really believe an environmental tragedy on such a scale is fixed, just because the media circus is gone? Nigerian friends tell me that an unnamed oil company sees no problem in polluting the waters fishermen used to live on… Let’s also not forget the quality of the water starts with the clouds, air pollution and the acidity of the rain. Yet one more hidden factor is the amount of water needed to produce not only food but also an exploding amount of electronic devices. The (im)purity of our food is conditioned by many of the factors already mentioned, and also by various treatments it undergoes and the growing list of additives such as food acids, acidity regulators, anticaking agents, antifoaming agents, antioxidants, bulking agents, food colouring, colour retention agents, emulsifiers, flavours, flavour enhancers, flour treatment agents, glazing agents, humectants, tracer gas, preservatives, stabilizers, sweeteners and thickeners. Here are just a handful of sound suggestions: First of all, buy the quantity of food you need, resisting stimuli to buy more. Secondly: Don’t overeat. · A balanced diet provides the right mix of nutrients your body needs. · Whole grains and dairy products are a good start. · Why not alternate meat or fish with vegetarian days? Organic meat comes from animals that aren’t treated with an excess of antibiotics due to mass-production. It is safer to stick to fish from the North Sea – or the Mediterranean in Southern Europe. Beware of products from fish farms. · Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in season. Organic vegetables don’t contain toxic pesticides. Turnip, watercress, beetroot, mushroom… all have wonderful properties. · Buying at a farmer or local market when possible shortens the distance between producer and consumer, which saves energy. · Berries, nuts, spices, (olive) oil… all have a place in a wholesome diet. Beware of alcohol, because it is addictive. Be moderate. Some people even feel great as tea-totallers. Water in glass bottles is healthier than water in plastic bottles, and it reduces the amount of plastic waste. Tap water is far cheaper still, it is by far the most economical and ecological way to distribute and consume water. To make an analogy, would you prefer air in a bag or in a bottle rather than the air that we breathe normally? How absurd. Marketing can make fools of us. Avoid cans if you can. Theoretically we all know where to dispose of them and that they can in principle be recycled. But then why are the sides of the road full of litter? And why, by the way, are a lot of birds and fishes choking in plastic nowadays? How come mussels are containing microscopic pieces of plastic? Now plastic has entered the food chain, is gastronomy soon going to be replaced by “plastronomy”!? Beware of readymade food. The horsemeat scandal shouldn’t let us believe that there aren’t any problems with fish, vegetables etc. So let’s try to cook and eat real food, and if we do buy a readymade meal, it is prudent to check the label first. One hopes that the legal provisions are applied and control mechanisms are working. Avoid “empty” food like crisps, fatty cookies, soda drinks... They do contain calories, but no vitamins, no trace elements nor other useful ingredients. A load of artificial sugar creates dependency, leading to diabetes and obesity. Take a bag with you to the market or shop, and reuse it. Cooking is an art, and enjoying a good meal a blessing. But instead of giving in to the commercial propaganda we are being bombarded with, let’s listen to the voice of wisdom telling us about the interdependence of all life, about compassion, moderation and sharing, and the beauty of this blue planet we call home. Let’s not forget that even in this age, man does not live on bread alone…St. Andrew’s Eco Congregation Team. 3rd February 2014

Theme WATER

Theme CHANGING LIFESTYLE

Theme RECYCLING & GARDENING

Theme TRANSPORTATION

A new set of eco tips is published every month by the St. Andrews Eco Congregation group. They aim is to raise environmental awareness among the members of our congregation. This month, the topic is transportation.

I deliberately and consciously bought a house at walking distance from my job (the public broadcasting company) twenty-three years ago, and went to work walking most of the time from then on. Mia and I decided to do away with one of our two small cars and in doing so we were motivated by economy and ecology. When we speak about changing our personal lifestyle, there are so many options and small things we can do concerning transportation. Surely we can all do something.

We can for instance:1. Not buy a car;2. Use public transportation including train, metro, bus, tram;3. Or even take a taxi occasionally (less pollution than when you drive all of the time);4. Buy a bike;5. Rent a VILLO bike;6. Car-pool;7. Share a car (Cambio system in Brussels);8. Buy a hybrid car and use it responsibly, moderately, share it, repair it;9. We can, of course, taking into account practical circumstances and our personal budget, combine the different options above;10. We can take the train across Europe instead of a plane, this is a far more responsible way of traveling ecologically speaking. Plane fares are abnormally low because the companies don’t pay taxes on kerosene. They are rewarded to pollute more by the authorities, sadly.11. Finally, we can also… WALK some of the distances we have to cover. Every time we have to get somewhere, we can take into account the ecological impact of that journey. Which one is the fastest way to get there? What are the alternatives? Do I have time to choose a slower but more responsible way, less violent and destructive for the environment? Do I want to make this and other sacrifices? Am I willing to take some hardship, to give up some comfort?

I think the choices we make have a lot to do with egoism and greed. A church like ours is the ideal place to reflect about and take part in personal transformation, isn’t it?

- John Van Vreckem

Theme : FUN

Message by the Minister: Greening the Church

Dear all, I have lots of great ideas having been a container gardener for a long time now- there are lots of possibilities. Some plans seem to naturally bonsai in their pots (Camellia's being the perfect example). Also Pieris and some forms of viburnum, - the key is 1) refreshing the compost every couple of years 2) feeding the plants regularly to stop nutrient deficiences and 3) good to have things that are drought tolerant or ensure there is reduced evaporation during warm weather. I think we need to try this and see what happens. My only concern is that there might be some vandalism or theft if things can be carried away. There is lot of activity outside the Church during the weeks- like fly tipping etc. But let's try it and see how it goes. Take care, Andrew Gardner. (17th Sep 2013) http://www.rtbf.be/info/monde/detail_le-super-typhon-usagi-s-approche-de-hong-kong?id=8095028

Eco-Congregation Scotland by Margaret Brusasco

We have established an eco-congregation group within St Andrew's and this is to give you some context and information on the purpose and aims of the initiative. As Christians, we praise and thank God for his wonderful creation. It provides natural resources to sustain us and awe-inspiring variety and beauty to give us pleasure. We have a duty of care to protect this treasure so that future generations may enjoy its benefits as we do. This year's world environment day should receive special attention as the level of CO2 in the atmosphere now exceeds 400 ppm, the highest level since humans inhabited the planet. As CO2 levels continue to rise at an alarming rate there are serious concerns over the possible impacts on global weather patterns.We are aware that the adverse effects of global climate change will have a disproportionate impact on those who are already have problems with drought. Again, as Christians, we have a special responsibility towards our fellow human beings. Eco-Congregation Scotland is an ecumenical movement whose purpose is to help congregations link environmental issues to their faith and take action in their church and local community. St Andrew's has, together with our sister church in Adentan, decided to register as an eco-congregation and commit to take appropriate action in the following areas.

Over three Sundays in October and November, the Minister will preach on the creation, harvest and climate change to deepen our understanding of Christian stewardship of the earth and we hope to register our church in November. For further information please look at the website www.ecocongregationscotland.org or speak to Margaret Brusasco.Margaret Brusasco.

4. RECYCLING Used Inkjet Cartridges saves half the amount of oil needed to manufacture new ones.

5. REPAIRING saves resources and energy, creates jobs.

Eco Tips (2) Short Version

Here are some easy ECO-TIPs that can help us to make our weekly shopping greener. 1. Using a list reduces impulse buying. This is positive, both for the environment and for your own… economy or finances! 2. Ten percent of household waste consists of food that hasn’t been eaten! Buy just the quantity you really need, and check the date limit. 3. Carry your shopping goods in a cardboard box or otherwise a reusable plastic box. Don’t always accept the plastic bags you’re being offered. 4. Go for rechargeable batteries and saving bulbs. 5. Buy more fruit carrying an eco or bio label. A list of eco labels can be found on the website www.infolabel.be Choose seasonal fruit. Strawberries, for instance, between May and July only. 6. Check the origin of products, when possible. Exotic fruit and Argentinian beef - for instance - have a larger ecological footprint than Belgian apples and beef. Always buy local if you can. 7. Use concentrates and refillable packaging. They generally produce less packaging waste and the price per dose tends to be lower.

Eco Tips (1) Long Version

A Meatless Day a WeekEating vegetarian, even one day a week, can have lasting benefits for your health and the environment. The health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains and legumes, are well known, and the evidence in support of plant-based diets is only getting stronger with each study, it seems. Eating low on the food chain also has benefits for the environment, since it takes less water, fertilizer and other resources to produce grains, fruits and vegetables than it does to raise chickens, cows, pigs or other animals we eat.Shop at Local Farmers Market 1. Buying fresh-picked produce is not only tastier, but often more nutritious, since foods shipped long distances can lose nutrients over time. And there's nothing like savouring the variety of locally made artisanal foods. 2. Your purchase will also help the local economy, since your food expenditure won't be going to a national corporation but a local resident and his or her workers. Because local farmers' markets cut out the middlemen, most of every Euro or Pound spent goes straight to the people who grow your food. 3. Finally, buying locally produced foods helps preserve open space, rural landscapes and — if crops are grown using organic methods — healthy local ecosystems. Recycle Used Inkjet CartridgesSave resources in your home office by recycling inkjet cartridges, and buying recycled cartridges and recycled ink. 1. It's actually easy to cut down on this waste. First off, some inkjet cartridges can be used more than once by buying a refill kit. 2. If this seems too messy, take your empties from the home printer (don't forget copiers and faxes, too) to the nearest drop off center to be reused or recycled by others. 3. Start buying recycled cartridge yourself. It takes about 80% less energy to remanufacture plastic than to produce it new. And remanufactured laser cartridges use about half the amount of oil (a nonrenewable fossil fuel) needed to make brand new ones. Choose Organic and Fair Trade Chocolates · Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants than blueberries and more flavonoids than green tea! · Unfortunately, if it isn't organic, the cocoa beans have likely been doused with chemical pesticides. · Fair-trade chocolate supports the efforts of local farmers and guarantees better social and environmental standards.Repair!Instead of buying electrical appliances so cheap it means they have to be thrown away and cannot be repaired, let’s start behaving like responsible consumers and buy from serious established brands and in shops where a repair service is at hand. Instead of buying the cheapest mass-made bike just unloaded from a ship and rolled out of a container, we can buy a British bike if we’re in Britain, a Belgian one over here and so on. Firstly this creates jobs in the local economy. Secondly there’s no need to ship over long distances, so oil is saved. Thirdly, you can be assured the bike can be fixed if anything goes wrong. We can make things last longer and repair them /have them repaired. This saves money and resources.

Why is the information on this personal blog?

As an alternative to e-mailing information back and forth, this page on my personal blog may used to share ECO Tips by the Minister, the members of the Eco-Team, the webmaster and whoever else is involved at St.Andrew's.

Psalm 148Praise the Lord.Praise the Lord from the heavens,praise him in the heights above.Praise him, all his angels,praise him all his heavenly hosts.Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.praise him, you highest heavensand you waters above the skies.Let them praise the name of the Lord,for he commanded and they were created.He set them in place for ever and ever;he gave a decree that will never pass away.Praise the Lord from the earth,you great creatures and all ocean depths,lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding,you mountains and all hills,fruit trees and all cedars,wild animals and all cattle,small creatures and flying birds...

Beehives in Ixelles

Ten Best Healing Spices and Herbs

TurmericThis golden spice, used in almost every meal in India is very valuable."It is a very powerful healer. It prevents growth of cancer cells and thus can prevent cancer,"says Mumbai-based nutritionist Naini Setalvad. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduces swelling caused due to pain."It also said to prevent alzhiemers and said to reduce severity of pain caused due to arthritis,"says Mumbai-based nutritionist Maithili Pashtekar. This spice also acts as an antioxidant that helps lower cholesterol.

CinnamonOften used in coffees and other desserts, cinnamon is said to have the ability to reduce blood sugar levels."This spice contains antioxidants that help lowering levels of bad cholesterol,"says Naini. More good news for women- including this spice in your diet will also ensure less painful cycles.

GingerGood ol'ginger candy has always been an instant cure to motion sickness or has curbed a feeling of nausea. The spice does more than that."It improves your digestive process and prevents stomach disorders like flatulence,"says Naini. It is also said to regularize blood flow, thus maintaining your blood pressure.

BasilHoly basil or tulsi is said to be a great de-stressor as it"reduces levels of serotonin,"Maithili says. Try a tea made of basil leaves and ginger for relief from indigestion, headaches and fever. Chewing on leaves of basil could also reduce symptoms of bronchitis and asthma.

GarlicThis condiment lowers your chances of getting cancer. Other than that, according to Naini,"it helps in lowering bad cholesterol and keeping your blood pressure in control."It also has anti viral properties and helps in clearing your sinuses."It helps to digest iron and protein,"says Maithili. Garlic is also a powerful antioxidant that protects your body against damage from free radicals.

CuminCumin powder in water with salt and lemon is probably the best way to curb a diarrhoea attack."It also acts as a blood purifier and is an excellent remedy for stomach cramps,"says Naini. Due to its cooling properties, it is added to most drinks and juices during summer.

MustardMustard seeds is said to curb the growth of cancer cells."it also has anti inflammatory properties and is said to restore normal sleeping patterns in women with symptoms of menopause,"says Maithili. It also reduces severity of asthma and lowers high blood pressure.

SaffronSaffron is a powerful antioxidant too."It is said to be an anti-depressant and can cure bladder, liver and kidney disorders,"says Naini. A li'l saffron in your tea can relieve you of a cold too. Saffron also has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. Rubbing saffron on sore gums can provides relief.

CardamomKnown as elaichi, this spice is also effective in curing stomach cramps. It is also said to cure other stomach disorders like flatulence and acidity."It also improves your circulation to your lungs, Maithili says. Boil water and add mint leaves and cardamom to it and have it to cure hiccups, suggests Naini.

MintMint or pudina is known to ease symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome. It is also known to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Mint oil when rubbed on your forehead soothes headaches too. Mint paste while applied on pimples and acne can cure it.